US President Donald Trump said Washington is considering financial assistance, including a currency swap, with Gulf allies that have supported the US position in the Iran conflict, and indicated he expects to resume bombing if no deal is reached before Wednesday’s ceasefire deadline.
Speaking to CNBC, Trump said a currency swap with the United Arab Emirates is “under consideration,” describing the UAE as “a good ally.” The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Emirati officials have opened talks with Washington about a “backstop” should the Iran war deepen economic strain on Gulf economies.
“They’re really rich,” Trump added, acknowledging potential domestic backlash against a financial lifeline for wealthy Gulf partners. He said Saudi Arabia was not currently “asking for anything,” but praised Riyadh’s contribution: “They’re fighting. They’re helping us. They’re helping us on the Strait. They’re helping us all over.”
Trump also said Iran has “no choice but to send” delegates to Pakistan for a second round of talks, claiming the US will “end up with a great deal.” He called the ongoing naval blockade a “tremendous success” and said he was “not dealing with the nicest people,” but was doing so “successfully.”
Asked whether he would extend the ceasefire if negotiations showed progress, the president said: “I don’t want to do that.” He added later that he “expect[s] to be bombing, ‘cause that would be a better attitude.” Trump said there was not “much time” left to reach a deal.
The remarks harden the US position a day before the 14-day ceasefire brokered in Islamabad expires, and come after Washington indicated the Hormuz blockade will not be lifted until a deal is reached. Sustained bombing and the continued blockade would keep pressure on Sri Lanka’s fuel import costs, which remain elevated with Brent crude above $96 per barrel.
